McGregor and Hitchcock Continue Their Real Bedford Journey
Both Tyler McGregor and Tom Hitchcock joined Real Bedford in the summer of 2022, linking up with the new manager, Rob Sinclair. Just over three years later, all three are still at the club and have played integral roles in helping the Pirates secure three consecutive league titles.
As we prepare for life in the Southern League Premier Central, we spoke to Tyler and Tom about their time at the club so far and their hopes for the future.
McGregor’s first appearance for the Pirates was at Buckingham Athletic in August 2022. After spending time at the Milton Keynes College Football Academy, he started in the 7-1 win at Buckingham and, just over two years later, became the first player to make 100 appearances for the club.
Speaking about the growth of Real Bedford in the last three years, McGregor said:
“It’s always good to be part of something like this, it’s quite cool seeing how everything changes each year, from really simple things like where our physio rooms used to be to how they look now, seeing the ambition being put into fruition is something really cool to be part of.”
Hitchcock, who has an accomplished career in the professional game, winning promotions with QPR, Rotherham and MK Dons, has established himself as a popular figure in the dressing room since joining the Pirates in May 2022.
Describing the last three years at the Ledger Stadium, he said:
“The boys have stepped up every year and linked up with the new players who have added into the culture that we have already built.
Seeing the club grow and being able to be a part of it from the start, watching the club bring Bedford as a town closer together has been great.”
Sinclair has been a mainstay since he was appointed as the club’s manager in May 2022. In three seasons, the former Forest Green Rovers midfielder has amassed points tallies of 99, 91 and 104, impressing supporters with his dominant, possession-based style.
McGregor and Hitchcock both spoke about Sinclair’s impact on the club.
McGregor said:
“It has just been a case of seeing the team putting Rob’s ideas into play and becoming more efficient and effective with them as seasons go on.”
Hitchcock added:
“It’s always been good here, but the gaffer explains the project so well to the new lads, who take it on board well. It means a lot and I really enjoy looking at how far we’ve come together and it’s only getting better.”
Preparations for the upcoming campaign have been perfect so far, with the Pirates winning all five pre-season games.
Tyler and Tom will be keen to add further success to their Real Bedford careers as they enter their fourth consecutive seasons at the club.
Their journey continues.
